Catheter assembly having an injection port and related methods

ABSTRACT

A catheter assembly may include a catheter adapter. A body of the catheter adapter may include a distal end, a proximal end, and a first lumen extending through the distal end and the proximal end. The catheter adapter may include a side port, which may extend outwardly from the body. The side port may include a second lumen, which may be perpendicular to the first lumen. The catheter assembly may include a catheter extending distally from the distal end of the body. The catheter assembly may include a valve disposed within the first lumen. The valve may include an outer surface that is cylindrical and may seal the first lumen from the second lumen. The catheter assembly may include a divider disposed with the second lumen. The divider may divide the second lumen into a plurality of openings and may increase a burst value of the valve.

RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional PatentApplication No. 62/854,123, filed May 29, 2020, and entitled CATHETERASSEMBLY HAVING AN INJECTION PORT AND RELATED METHODS, which isincorporated herein in its entirety.

BACKGROUND

Catheters are generally used for parenteral nutrition, intravenous fluidreplacement, and administering analgesics and antibiotics. Catheters arealso used for blood draw. Catheters can be inserted at the bedside usingsterile techniques and can remain in place for several weeks.

A common type catheter is an over-the-needle catheter. As its nameimplies, a catheter that is “over-the-needle” may be mounted over anintroducer needle having a sharp distal tip. The sharp distal tip may beused to pierce skin and a vein of a patient. Insertion of the catheterinto the vein may follow the piercing of the vein by the introducerneedle. The introducer needle typically has the sharp distal tip topierce skin and the vein of the patient with minimal resistance tominimize the pain to the patient.

The introducer needle is generally placed at a steep inclined angle withrespect to a surface of the skin and a longitudinal dimension of thevein to be pierced to allow penetration through the skin and a wall ofthe vein. The needle and the catheter are generally inserted with abevel of the introducer needle facing away from the skin of the patient.After the tip of the introducer needle pierces the wall, the angle ofthe insertion is lowered to be able to slide the introducer needle andthe catheter into the vein a distance sufficient to properly positionthe catheter in the vein. Once placement of the introducer needle withinthe vein has been confirmed, the user may temporarily occlude flow inthe vein and withdraw the introducer needle, leaving the catheter inplace for future fluid infusion and/or blood withdrawal.

The subject matter claimed herein is not limited to embodiments thatsolve any disadvantages or that operate only in environments such asthose described above. Rather, this background is only provided toillustrate one example technology area where some implementationsdescribed herein may be practiced.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present disclosure relates generally to a catheter assembly that maybe used for power injection, as well as related devices, systems, andmethods. “Power injection” may refer to infusion of large amounts offluid in a short period of time. In some embodiments, a catheterassembly of the present disclosure may facilitate high flow rates andmaintenance of a high pressure within a catheter adapter of the catheterassembly while also maintaining an integrity of a valve disposed withinthe catheter adapter. In some embodiments, the catheter assembly mayincrease a breaking threshold (i.e. burst value) of the valve, allowingfluid to be infused into the catheter adapter at high pressures.

In some embodiments, the catheter adapter may include a body, which mayinclude a distal end, a proximal end, and a first lumen extendingthrough the distal end and the proximal end. In some embodiments, a sideport of the catheter adapter may extend outwardly from the body and maybe disposed between the distal end and the proximal end. In someembodiments, the side port may include a second lumen perpendicular tothe first lumen.

In some embodiments, the catheter assembly may include a catheter, whichmay extend distally from the distal end of the body. In someembodiments, the catheter assembly may include a valve disposed withinthe first lumen. In some embodiments, the valve may seal the first lumenfrom the second lumen. In some embodiments, an outer surface of thevalve may be cylindrical.

In some embodiments, the catheter assembly may include a divider, whichmay be disposed with the second lumen. In some embodiments, the catheteradapter and the divider may be monolithically formed as a single unit.In some embodiments, the divider may divide the second lumen intomultiple openings. In some embodiments, the divider may be proximate thefirst lumen. In some embodiments, the divider may contact the valve. Insome embodiments, the divider may be symmetrical. In some embodiments,one or more of the multiple openings may be identical. In someembodiments, the divider may include various shapes and patterns.

In some embodiments, the catheter adapter may include an inner surface,which may form the second lumen. In some embodiments, outer edges of theplurality of openings may form or be aligned with a shape, which may besymmetrical. In some embodiments, the divider may be linear and mayextend from one side of the shape to another side of the shape. In someembodiments, the divider may be perpendicular to a longitudinal axis ofthe catheter adapter. In some embodiments, the divider may be parallelto the longitudinal axis of the catheter adapter.

In some embodiments, the divider may include multiple arms, which mayextend from the shape to a central axis of the second lumen. In someembodiments, the divider may include X-shape. In these embodiments, themultiple arms may include a first arm, a second arm, a third arm, and afourth arm. In some embodiments, two of the first arm, the second arm,the third arm, and the fourth arm may be parallel to the longitudinalaxis of the catheter adapter. In some embodiments, the first arm, thesecond arm, the third arm, and the fourth arm may be offset from thelongitudinal axis of the catheter adapter.

In some embodiments, the divider may include a Y-shape. In theseembodiments, the multiple arms may include the first arm, the secondarm, and the third arm. In some embodiments, one of the first arm, thesecond arm, and the third arm may be parallel to the longitudinal axisof the catheter adapter and may point distally. In some embodiments, oneof the first arm, the second arm, and the third arm may be parallel tothe longitudinal axis of the catheter adapter and may point proximally.

In some embodiments, a method of delivering fluid into the catheteradapter may include coupling a power injection device to the side portof the catheter adapter. In some embodiments, the method may includedelivering fluid, via the power injection device, into the side port ata pressure. In some embodiments, an integrity of the valve may bemaintained in response to delivering the fluid into the side port at thepressure. In some embodiments, the pressure may not exceed a burst valueof the valve.

In some embodiments, the pressure may be greater than 348 psi. In someembodiments, the pressure may be between 348 psi and 478 psi. In someembodiments, the pressure may be between 348 psi and 728 psi. In someembodiments, the pressure may be between 300 psi and 800 psi. In someembodiments, the pressure may be between 350 psi and 800 psi. In someembodiments, the pressure may be between 700 psi and 1000 psi. In someembodiments, the pressure may be between 300 psi and 400 psi, between400 psi and 500 psi, between 500 psi and 600 psi, between 600 psi and700 psi, between 700 psi and 800 psi, or between 800 psi and 900 psi. Insome embodiments, in response to delivering the fluid into the side portat the pressure, the divider may inhibit expansion of the valve and/orshifting of the valve in a proximal direction and a distal direction.

It is to be understood that both the foregoing general description andthe following detailed description are exemplary and explanatory and arenot restrictive of the invention, as claimed. It should be understoodthat the various embodiments are not limited to the arrangements andinstrumentality shown in the drawings. It should also be understood thatthe embodiments may be combined, or that other embodiments may beutilized and that structural changes, unless so claimed, may be madewithout departing from the scope of the various embodiments of thepresent invention. The following detailed description is, therefore, notto be taken in a limiting sense.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Example embodiments will be described and explained with additionalspecificity and detail through the use of the accompanying drawings inwhich:

FIG. 1A is an upper perspective view of a prior art catheter assembly;

FIG. 1B is a top view of the prior art catheter assembly, illustratingan example cap removed;

FIG. 1C is a cross-sectional view of the prior art catheter assembly;

FIG. 1D is a cross-sectional view of the prior art catheter assembly,illustrating an example power injection device delivering fluid into thecatheter assembly;

FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of another catheter assembly, accordingto some embodiments;

FIG. 3A is a top view of the catheter assembly of FIG. 2, illustratingan example divider and an example power injection device removed,according to some embodiments;

FIG. 3B is an enlarged top view of the catheter assembly of FIG. 2,illustrating the divider, according to some embodiments;

FIG. 4A is a top view of the catheter assembly of FIG. 2, illustratinganother example divider and the power injection device removed,according to some embodiments;

FIG. 4B is an enlarged top view of the catheter assembly of FIG. 2,illustrating the other divider of FIG. 4A, according to someembodiments;

FIG. 5A is a top view of the catheter assembly of FIG. 2, illustratinganother example divider and the power injection device removed,according to some embodiments;

FIG. 5B is an enlarged top view of the catheter assembly of FIG. 2,illustrating the other divider of FIG. 5A, according to someembodiments;

FIG. 6A is a top view of the catheter assembly of FIG. 2, illustratinganother example divider and the power injection device removed,according to some embodiments;

FIG. 6B is an enlarged top view of the catheter assembly of FIG. 2,illustrating the other divider of FIG. 6A, according to someembodiments;

FIG. 7A is a top view of the catheter assembly of FIG. 2, illustratinganother example divider and the power injection device removed,according to some embodiments; and

FIG. 7B is an enlarged top view of the catheter assembly of FIG. 2,illustrating the other divider of FIG. 7A and the power injection deviceremoved, according to some embodiments;

FIG. 8A is a top view of the catheter assembly of FIG. 2, illustratinganother example divider and the power injection device removed,according to some embodiments; and

FIG. 8B is an enlarged top view of the catheter assembly of FIG. 2,illustrating the other divider of FIG. 8A and the power injection deviceremoved, according to some embodiments.

DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

Referring now to FIGS. 1A-1B, a prior art catheter assembly 10 isillustrated. The prior art catheter assembly 10 may correspond to the BDVENFLON™ Pro Safety Shielded IV Catheter or another catheter assembly.The prior art catheter assembly 10 includes a catheter adapter 12 and acatheter 13 extending distally from the catheter adapter 12. Thecatheter adapter 12 includes a body 16, which includes a distal end 18,a proximal end 20, and a lumen 22 extending through the distal end 18and the proximal end 20. The catheter adapter 12 includes a side port 14extending outwardly from the body 16 and may be covered by a removablecap 15. A valve 24 is disposed in the lumen 22 and seals the side port14 from the lumen 22.

The prior art catheter assembly 10 may be unable to withstand thepressure that is delivered by a power injection device 26 coupled to theside port 14, which may be used for power injection. The minimumpressure required for power injection, according to ISO 10555-1, is 300psi. However, it has been shown that even pressures below 300 psi mayexceed the burst value of the valve 24 in the prior art catheterassembly 10, resulting in a rupture or break 25 of the valve 24, asillustrated, for example, in FIG. 1B. The valve 24 may be the weakestcomponent of the prior art catheter assembly 10.

Further, the valve 24 may shift in a distal direction or a proximaldirection in response to power injection. Referring now to FIGS. 1C-1D,in response to the power injection device 26 delivering the fluid at ahigh pressure, such as above 300 psi, the fluid may flow between aninner surface of the catheter adapter 12 and an outer surface of thevalve 24 in a manner that shifts the valve 24 from its originalposition, illustrated in FIG. 1C, to a distal position, illustrated inFIG. 1D, or a proximal position. Thus, the valve 24 may be preventedfrom resealing the side port 14 from the lumen 22 after completion ofthe power injection and may no longer be functional.

In some embodiments, the prior art catheter assembly 10 may be removablycoupled to a prior art needle assembly 28, which may include a needlehub 30 and an introducer needle 32. In some embodiments, the introducerneedle 32 may include a sharp distal tip 34. In some embodiments, aproximal end of the introducer needle 32 may be secured within theneedle hub 30. In some embodiments, the introducer needle 32 may extendthrough the catheter 13 when the prior art catheter assembly 10 is in aninsertion position ready for insertion into vasculature of a patient, asillustrated, for example, in FIG. 1A.

In some embodiments, in response to the introducer needle 32 beinginserted into the vasculature of the patient, flashback of blood mayflow through the sharp distal tip 34 of the introducer needle 32 and maybe visible to a clinician between the introducer needle 32 and thecatheter 13 and/or at another location within the prior art catheterassembly 10.

In some embodiments, in response to confirmation via the blood flashbackthat the catheter 13 is positioned within vasculature of the patient,the prior art needle assembly 28 may be removed from the prior artcatheter assembly 10, as illustrated in FIG. 1B. In some embodiments,when the prior art needle assembly 28 is coupled to the prior artcatheter assembly 10, as illustrated, for example, in FIG. 1A, theintroducer needle 32 of the prior art needle assembly 28 may extendthrough the valve 24 disposed within the lumen 22 of the catheteradapter 12.

Referring now to FIG. 2, a catheter assembly 29 is illustrated,according to some embodiments. In some embodiments, the catheterassembly 29 may include or correspond to the prior art catheter assembly10. For example, one or more components of the catheter assembly 29 mayinclude or correspond to one or more components of the prior artcatheter assembly 10.

In some embodiments, the catheter assembly 29 may include a catheteradapter 36. In some embodiments, the catheter adapter 36 may include abody 38, which may include a distal end 40, a proximal end 42, and afirst lumen 44 extending through the distal end 40 and the proximal end42. In some embodiments, the catheter adapter 36 may include a side port46 extending outwardly from the body 38. In some embodiments, the sideport 46 may be disposed between the distal end 40 and the proximal end42. In some embodiments, the side port 46 may include a second lumen 48,which may be perpendicular to the first lumen 44. In some embodiments,the second lumen 48 may extend through the side port 46 to the firstlumen 44. In some embodiments, the first lumen 44 may be generallycylindrical, and the second lumen 48 may be generally cylindrical.

In some embodiments, the catheter assembly 29 may include a catheter 50,which may extend distally from the distal end 40 of the body 38 and maybe secured within the catheter adapter 36. In some embodiments, thecatheter assembly 29 may include a valve 52 disposed within the firstlumen 44. In some embodiments, the valve 52 may seal the first lumen 44from the second lumen 48, preventing fluid from travelling between thefirst lumen 44 and the second lumen 48. In some embodiments, an outersurface of the valve 52 may be cylindrical. In some embodiments, thevalve 52 may be solid. In other embodiments, the valve 52 may include anopening extending through a distal end of the valve 52 and a proximalend of the valve 52. In some embodiments, the valve 52 may beconstructed of silicon or another suitable material.

In some embodiments, the catheter assembly 29 may include a divider 54,which may be disposed within the second lumen 48. In some embodiments,the catheter adapter 36 and the divider 54 may be monolithically formedas a single unit, which may secure the divider 54 in response to powerinjection through the side port 46. In some embodiments, the divider 54may divide the second lumen 48 into multiple openings 56. In someembodiments, the divider 54 may be constructed of plastic, metal, oranother suitable material. In some embodiments, the divider 54 may berigid.

In some embodiments, the divider 54 may be proximate the first lumen 44.In some embodiments, the divider may be disposed between an outersurface 58 of the body 38 and an inner surface 60 of the body 38 formingthe first lumen 44. In some embodiments, the divider 54 may be disposedbetween the side port 46 and the inner surface 60 of the body 38. Insome embodiments, the divider 54 may be disposed within the side port 46or a portion of the second lumen 48 disposed within the side port 46.

In some embodiments, the divider 54 may contact the valve 52. In someembodiments, the divider 54 may be symmetrical, which may provide anevenly distributed amount of pressure on the valve 52 during powerinjection. In some embodiments, the divider 54 may be asymmetrical. Insome embodiments, one or more of the multiple openings 56 may beidentical. In some embodiments, the divider 54 may include variousshapes and patterns.

In some embodiments, the divider 54 may facilitate high flow rates andmaintenance of a high pressure within the catheter adapter 36 while alsomaintaining the integrity of the valve 52. In some embodiments, thedivider 54 may increase a burst value of the valve 52 such that thevalve 52 is able to withstand high pressure during power injection intothe catheter adapter 36 without breaking. Thus, in some embodiments, thevalve 52 may include a multi-use valve usable for multiple powerinjections.

In some embodiments, in response to delivering the fluid into the sideport 46 at a pressure during power injection, the divider 54 may reduceor eliminate expansion of the valve 52 as the valve 52 contacts andpresses upon the divider 54. In some embodiments, in response todelivering the fluid into the side port 46 at the pressure during powerinjection, the divider 54 may reduce or eliminate shifting of the valve52 in a proximal direction and a distal direction.

In some embodiments, the pressure may be greater than 348 psi. In someembodiments, the pressure may be between 348 psi and 478 psi. In someembodiments, the pressure may be between 348 psi and 728 psi. In someembodiments, the pressure may be between 300 psi and 800 psi. In someembodiments, the pressure may be between 350 psi and 800 psi. In someembodiments, the pressure may be between 700 psi and 1000 psi. In someembodiments, the pressure may be between 300 psi and 400 psi, between400 psi and 500 psi, between 500 psi and 600 psi, between 600 psi and700 psi, between 700 psi and 800 psi, or between 800 psi and 900 psi. Insome embodiments, in response to delivering the fluid into the side port46 at the pressure, the divider 54 may inhibit expansion of the valve 52and/or shifting of the valve 52 in the proximal direction and the distaldirection. In some embodiments, the multiple openings 56 may beconfigured to allow fluid to flow from the side port 46 to the body 38at a flow rate of between about 3 mL and 8 mL per second and/or at thepressure. In some embodiments, the multiple openings 56 may beconfigured to allow fluid to flow from the side port 46 to the body 38at another suitable flow rate.

In some embodiments, the burst value of the valve 52 may be greater than348 psi. In some embodiments, the burst value of the valve 52 may bebetween 348 psi and 478 psi. In some embodiments, the burst value of thevalve 52 may be between 348 psi and 728 psi. In some embodiments, theburst value of the valve 52 may be between 300 psi and 800 psi. In someembodiments, the burst value of the valve 52 may be between 350 psi and800 psi. In some embodiments, the burst value of the valve 52 may bebetween 700 psi and 1000 psi. In some embodiments, the burst value ofthe valve 52 may be between 300 psi and 400 psi, between 400 psi and 500psi, between 500 psi and 600 psi, between 600 psi and 700 psi, between700 psi and 800 psi, or between 800 psi and 900 psi. In someembodiments, the valve 52 may be stronger than body 38, which mayrupture or break at a lower pressure than the valve 52.

Referring now to FIGS. 3-4, in some embodiments, the catheter adapter 36may include another inner surface 62, which may form the second lumen48. In some embodiments, outer edges 64 of the multiple openings 56 mayform or be aligned with a shape 66 which may be an ellipse or ageometric shape, such as a circle or triangle. In some embodiments, theshape 66 may be symmetric. In some embodiments, the outer edges 64 mayinclude arcs, which may connect two lines forming inner edges of themultiple openings 56 or ends of a single line forming an inner edge ofthe multiple openings 56. In some embodiments, the two lines mayintersect at a corner or a rounded edge.

In some embodiments, a diameter of the shape 66, which may include amaximum diameter of the shape 66, may be less than a diameter of aportion of the other inner surface 62 that is proximate the shape 66 andcloser to an outer opening 68 of the side port 46, as illustrated, forexample, in FIGS. 3-4. Thus, in some embodiments, the second lumen 48may be stepped and the divider 54 may extend from a stepped surface. Inother embodiments, the diameter of the shape 66 may be equal to thediameter of the portion of the other inner surface 62 that is proximatethe shape 66 and closer to an outer opening 68 of the side port 46. Inthese embodiments, the divider 54 may not extend from a stepped surface.

In some embodiments, the divider 54 may include multiple arms 70, whichmay extend from the shape 66 to a central axis 72 (see also FIG. 2) ofthe second lumen 48. In some embodiments, the divider 54 may includeX-shape. In these embodiments, the multiple arms 70 may include a firstarm 70 a, a second arm 70 b, a third arm 70 c, and a fourth arm 70 d. Insome embodiments, two of the first arm 70 a, the second arm 70 b, thethird arm 70 c, and the fourth arm 70 d may be parallel to alongitudinal axis 74 (see also FIG. 2) of the catheter adapter 36, asillustrated in FIGS. 3A-3B. As illustrated in FIGS. 4A-4B, in someembodiments, the first arm 70 a, the second arm 70 b, the third arm 70c, and the fourth arm 70 d may be offset from the longitudinal axis 74of the catheter adapter 36, such as, for example, by about 45° oranother suitable angle.

Referring now to FIGS. 5-6, in some embodiments, the divider 54 mayinclude a Y-shape. In these embodiments, the multiple arms 70 mayinclude the first arm 70 a, the second arm 70 b, and the third arm 70 c.In some embodiments, one of the first arm 70 a, the second arm 70 b, andthe third arm 70 c may be parallel to the longitudinal axis 74 of thecatheter adapter 36 and may point distally, as illustrated in FIGS.5A-5B. As illustrated in FIGS. 6A-6B, in some embodiments, one of thefirst arm 70 a, the second arm 70 b, and the third arm 70 c may beparallel to the longitudinal axis 74 of the catheter adapter 36 and maypoint proximally. In some embodiments, none of the first arm 70 a, thesecond arm 70 b, or the third arm 70 c may be aligned with thelongitudinal axis 74 of the catheter adapter 36.

Referring now to FIGS. 7-8, in some embodiments, the divider 54 may belinear and may extend from one side of the shape 66 to another side ofthe shape 66. In some embodiments, the divider 54 that is linear and/ororiented perpendicular to the longitudinal axis 74 of the catheteradapter 36 may reduce leakage of fluid between the outer surface of thevalve 52 and the inner surface 60 of the body 38 that might otherwiseshift the valve 52 in the proximal direction or the distal directionduring power injection. In some embodiments, the divider 54 may beperpendicular to the longitudinal axis 74 of the catheter adapter 36, asillustrated in FIGS. 7A-7B. In some embodiments, the divider 54 may beparallel to the longitudinal axis 74 of the catheter adapter 36, asillustrated in FIGS. 8A-8B.

In some embodiments, a method of delivering fluid into the catheteradapter 36 may include coupling the power injection device 26 to theside port 14 of the catheter adapter 12. In some embodiments, the methodmay include delivering fluid, via the power injection device 26, intothe side port 14 at the pressure. In some embodiments, an integrity ofthe valve 52 may be maintained in response to delivering the fluid intothe side port 14 at the pressure. In some embodiments, the pressure maynot exceed the burst value of the valve 52.

All examples and conditional language recited herein are intended forpedagogical objects to aid the reader in understanding the invention andthe concepts contributed by the inventor to furthering the art, and areto be construed as being without limitation to such specifically recitedexamples and conditions. Although embodiments of the present inventionshave been described in detail, it should be understood that the variouschanges, substitutions, and alterations could be made hereto withoutdeparting from the spirit and scope of the invention.

1. A catheter assembly, comprising: a catheter adapter, comprising: abody, comprising a distal end, a proximal end, and a first lumenextending through the distal end and the proximal end; a side portextending outwardly from the body and disposed between the distal endand the proximal end, wherein the side port comprises a second lumenperpendicular to the first lumen; a catheter extending distally from thedistal end of the body; a valve disposed within the first lumen andsealing the first lumen from the second lumen, wherein an outer surfaceof the valve is cylindrical; and a divider disposed with the secondlumen, wherein the divider divides the second lumen into a plurality ofopenings.
 2. The catheter assembly of claim 1, wherein the divider isproximate the first lumen.
 3. The catheter assembly of claim 1, whereinthe divider contacts the valve.
 4. The catheter assembly of claim 1,wherein the divider is symmetrical.
 5. The catheter assembly of claim 4,wherein each of the plurality of openings is identical.
 6. The catheterassembly of claim 1, wherein outer edges of the plurality of openingsform a symmetrical shape, wherein the divider is linear and extends fromone side of the symmetrical shape to another side of the symmetricalshape.
 7. The catheter assembly of claim 6, wherein the divider isperpendicular to a longitudinal axis of the catheter adapter.
 8. Thecatheter assembly of claim 6, wherein the divider is parallel to alongitudinal axis of the catheter adapter.
 9. The catheter assembly ofclaim 1, wherein outer edges of the plurality of openings form asymmetrical shape, wherein the divider comprises a plurality of armsthat extend from the symmetrical shape to a central axis of the secondlumen.
 10. The catheter assembly of claim 9, wherein the dividercomprises a X-shape.
 11. The catheter assembly of claim 10, wherein theplurality of arms comprises a first arm, a second arm, a third arm, anda fourth arm, wherein two of the first arm, the second arm, the thirdarm, and the fourth arm are parallel to a longitudinal axis of thecatheter adapter.
 12. The catheter assembly of claim 10, wherein theX-shape comprises a first arm, a second arm, a third arm, and a fourtharm, wherein the first arm, the second arm, the third arm, and thefourth arm are offset from a longitudinal axis of the catheter adapter.13. The catheter assembly of claim 10, wherein the divider comprises aY-shape.
 14. The catheter assembly of claim 13, wherein the plurality ofarms comprises a first arm, a second arm, and a third arm, wherein oneof the first arm, the second arm, and the third arm is parallel to alongitudinal axis of the catheter adapter and points distally.
 15. Thecatheter assembly of claim 13, wherein the plurality of arms comprises afirst arm, a second arm, and a third arm, wherein one of the first arm,the second arm, and the third arm is parallel to a longitudinal axis ofthe catheter adapter and points proximally.
 16. The catheter assembly ofclaim 1, wherein the catheter adapter and the divider are monolithicallyformed as a single unit.
 17. A method of delivering fluid into acatheter adapter, comprising: coupling a power injection device to aside port of a catheter adapter of a catheter assembly, wherein thecatheter assembly comprises: a catheter adapter, comprising: a body,comprising a distal end, a proximal end, and a first lumen extendingthrough the distal end and the proximal end; a side port extendingoutwardly from the body and disposed between the distal end and theproximal end, wherein the side port comprises a second lumenperpendicular to the first lumen; a catheter extending distally from thedistal end of the body; a valve disposed within the first lumen andsealing the first lumen from the second lumen, wherein an outer surfaceof the valve is cylindrical; and a divider disposed with the secondlumen, wherein the divider divides the second lumen into a plurality ofopenings; delivering fluid, via the power injection device, into theside port at a pressure, wherein the pressure is greater than 348 psi,wherein an integrity of the valve is maintained in response todelivering the fluid into the side port at the pressure.
 18. The methodof claim 17, wherein the pressure is between 348 psi and 728 psi. 19.The method of claim 17, wherein the pressure is between 348 psi and 478psi.
 20. The method of claim 17, wherein in response to delivering thefluid into the side port at the pressure the divider inhibits expansionof the valve and shifting of the valve in a proximal-distal direction.